Rays fans rock the house at FanFest

February 16, 9:55 PMTampa Bay Rays ExaminerRob Quinn

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If Saturday’s FanFest at the Trop was any indication, Rays’ fans do not believe the team’s 2008 run to the World Series was a fluke. Tropicana Field was jam-packed with fans, who came out to get some autographs, buy season tickets, and generally get themselves pumped up to support the Rays as they defend the American League pennant.

Fans should be optimistic about the Rays’ ability to return to the playoffs. The team is young and talented, manager Joe Maddon knows how to get the most out of his players, and the organization is functioning with seemingly perfect chemistry from ownership down to bullpen catcher. The Rays have a simple philosophy – win and love what you are doing. This is carried out perfectly by manager Joe Maddon and the players and now the fans are on board as well. Fans are having more fun than ever at the Trop and this weekend’s FanFest was a stunning show of support. The days of the Trop being a sea of empty seats are over.

Fans endured long lines for autographs and a picture with the American League Championship trophy. No one seemed too bothered by the long lines, though as everywhere you looked you saw smiling kids with signed baseballs in their hands.

Team spokesman Rick Vaughn had this to say about the event:

"While it is a non-ticketed, free event with no official count, our estimate of today’s attendance is in excess of 30,000 fans. If judged by the number of cars in our parking lots and the approximate number of autographs signed by our players and coaches, it was the largest turnout in the 13-year history of Fan Fest."

 

As Vaughn noted, the parking lot was packed and traffic coming into the stadium was at a standstill. Many fans, myself included, had to park much farther away than anticipated. The long walk was worth it though, as it was a great day to be a Rays fan. What a way to kick-off Spring Training.

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